Former editor of Joliet diocesan newspaper dies

Published: 2004-04-23

WINFIELD, Ill. (CNS) -- A funeral Mass was celebrated April 19 at St. John the Baptist Church in Winfield for Father Edwin Joyce, a former editor of the Diocese of Joliet's newspaper. The priest, who was 71, died April 15 at a health care facility following an extensive illness. He suffered a stroke nine years ago and was unable to speak and could not move without assistance. A native of Chicago, he was ordained for the Diocese of Joliet on June 7, 1958. He studied journalism at Marquette University in Milwaukee and at Loyola University in New Orleans. From 1965 to 1979, he was editor of Joliet's diocesan paper, The Catholic News Register, which was later renamed Catholic Explorer. While he was editor he also served as an associate pastor and pastor. His final assignment was as pastor of St. John the Baptist Parish in Winfield, 1990-95. Despite being debilitated by the stroke, Father Joyce continued to minister. Until shortly before his death he wrote a weekly column for the Catholic Explorer.

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